The dream of the rotary engine is not dead at Mazda, far from it. While the MX-30 SUV, with its rotary range extender, has struggled to attract the public, hopes for a new sports car continue to linger in the air. The Iconic SP, presented in October 2023, has rekindled discussions about a possible replacement for the legendary RX.
The Rotary Engine, a Living Passion
There are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and Mazda’s ambitions regarding the rotary engine. Despite a lukewarm reception for the MX-30 and its rotary engine used as a generator, the idea of a new sports car above the MX-5 (Miata) is regularly mentioned. The Iconic SP, a captivating concept, is still awaiting validation for production. However, a company executive hints at a glimmer of hope.
In an interview with Auto Express, Moritz Oswald, project manager and product planning supervisor at Mazda Europe, spoke of the strong desire within the company to revive a RX. “The number of car enthusiasts in this company is astounding. Everyone loves cars, so obviously there is a real desire to continue launching emotional products. Are we looking into it? Yes, of course. But we are also a company that needs to generate revenue,” he explains.
“The number of car enthusiasts in this company is astounding. Everyone loves cars, so obviously there is a real desire to continue launching emotional products. Are we looking into it? Yes, of course. But we are also a company that needs to generate revenue.”
A Return to Roots for the RX
If the RX were to be reborn, Mazda would not replicate the approach of the Iconic SP. In the latter, as well as in the MX-30 R-EV (which did not really convince), the rotary engine only serves to recharge a battery, while propulsion is provided by electric motors. In contrast, a production RX would see its rotary engine directly transmit its power to the wheels, just like in the good old days.
The Vision X-Coupe concept, presented last year, also showcased a rotary architecture, this time in a plug-in hybrid configuration with a bi-rotor. According to Mazda, these concepts are not just media stunts: they are genuinely used to assess interest in a potential return of the rotary engine to the lineup.
“We want to see how this resonates, what the feedback is, in order to try to understand the scope of the opportunity.”
Aspirations Hampered by Financial Issues
Although Mazda has a dedicated team actively working on the rotary engine and internal support is strong for a new RX, Ryuichi Umeshita, the technical director, highlighted a crucial point: “the only remaining issue is financial.” If a RX were to come to fruition, it would not come at the expense of the highly appreciated MX-5. The MX-5 will continue to exist, whether a larger and more powerful sports car joins the lineup or not.
At this time, considering a revival of the RX seems premature. Hopes for a rotary engine sports car to be on sale before the end of this decade are extremely slim. For now, this dream remains just that: a dream.
Mazda Facing Its Realities
As a relatively small manufacturer, it is understandable that Mazda takes its time to validate a new RX for production. With an MX-5 ND entering its eleventh year of life, it is reasonable to think that a fifth generation could emerge in the near future. Simultaneously financing two low-volume passionate models seems unrealistic in the current context.
However, let’s be optimistic: Mazda is committed to offering a new MX-5 that will retain the essence of its DNA: rear-wheel drive, manual transmission, and lightweight construction. Perhaps even with a larger engine while remaining naturally aspirated. A promising future for thrill-seekers!
